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Vol. 54 Issue No. 39 Mumbai March 26 to April 1, 2013 Pages 8 Price Rs. 3/-Pr<strong>of</strong>. Spenta Wadia, the ‘Higgs’ man, requests the privatesector to support research in basic scienceThe s<strong>of</strong>t-spoken Pr<strong>of</strong>. SpentaWadia, the “Higgs” man who addressedthe <strong>Club</strong> on the subject inAugust last year, was conferred theSohrab Godrej Award for Science andTechnology at the last meeting.Mr. Adi Godrej, an Honorary member<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Club</strong>, and Mr. Nadir Godrej(they are nephews <strong>of</strong> the late SohrabGodrej), President Nowroze Vazifdarand <strong>Rotary</strong> and Public Awards CommitteeChairman Ram Gandhi presenteda silver salver and the citationto Dr. Spenta Wadia amidst prolongedapplause.Pr<strong>of</strong>. Spenta Rustom Wadia (to givehis full name) is Pr<strong>of</strong>essor at the TataInstitute <strong>of</strong> Fundamental Research,<strong>Bombay</strong>, and Director <strong>of</strong> the InternationalCentre for Theoretical Sciences,Bangalore.Invited to introduce the award-winner,Mr. Nadir Godrej surprised membersby doing it in a poetic manner. Hethen read out the citation (Please seePage 2).In a brief acceptance speech, Pr<strong>of</strong>.Wadia appealed to the private sectorto take a cue from the West where sciencewas supported both by governmentand private enterprise.“The participation <strong>of</strong> private enterprisein the basic sciences is very important.(But) it’s almost non-existentin India. I take this opportunity to sayto them, come, and participate withus in the incredible journey <strong>of</strong> the basicsciences which is the core knowledgeon which almost everything thatwe know and do rests.”Pr<strong>of</strong>. Wadia started his talk by describingthe work that he had been involvedwith over the years. His workForthcomingmeetingsMarch 26, 2013Mr. Mahender Vasandani, President<strong>of</strong> M. Square, to speak on “ImprovingMumbai Through UrbanDesign”.April 2, 2013A talk on innovation by Dr. SwatiPiramal.Dr. Spenta Wadia, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor at the Tata Institute <strong>of</strong> Fundamental Research,<strong>Bombay</strong>, and Director <strong>of</strong> the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences,Bangalore, receives the Sohrab Godrej Award for Science and Technology.From left are Public Awards Committee Chairman Ram Gandhi, Mr. NadirGodrej, Mr. Adi Godrej, Honorary member <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Club</strong> (he and Nadir arenephews <strong>of</strong> the late Sohrab Godrej), and President Nowroze Vazifdarwas primarily in the general area <strong>of</strong>high-energy physics, looking at basicquestions about the fundamentaltheory <strong>of</strong> matter and the forces (acting)between them including the force<strong>of</strong> gravity.Another area <strong>of</strong> work was the unification<strong>of</strong> all these forces, especiallythe inclusion <strong>of</strong> the force <strong>of</strong> gravitywhich had shaped the early universeand all the structures that followed.Einstein’s theory <strong>of</strong> relativity was atheory <strong>of</strong> gravity, explaining the force<strong>of</strong> gravity in terms <strong>of</strong> geometry. It adequatelyexplained the large-scale universe,or the large structures <strong>of</strong> theuniverse. On the other hand was thequantum theory which described allthe electronics currently in use,whether in cell phones, laptops orcomputers. This was a “good, correcttheory <strong>of</strong> the microscopic world”,valid till extremely short distances suchas 10 -18 centimetres.These two theories (Einstein’s andquantum) were the two pillars <strong>of</strong> modernphysics. However, it was also acceptedthat these two theories did notcombine well and could lead to inconsistencieswhen any such attempt wasmade, Pr<strong>of</strong>. Wadia said.“For many decades now, scientists(including many <strong>of</strong> us) have been lookingfor a framework, not a theory but aframework, in which to address allquestions <strong>of</strong> particle physics and cosmology.“That framework is the stringtheory. In string theory you pose fundamentalquestions <strong>of</strong> the type I havealluded to. A lot <strong>of</strong> work is going on inthis and we in India have also madesome fundamental contributions to thesubject.“It’s perhaps one <strong>of</strong> the most importantsmall theoretical physicsgroups that the country has seen inmany decades. And I’m very proud <strong>of</strong>it because we started working in thisdirection as early as in 1984, a couple<strong>of</strong> years after I came back from theUniversity <strong>of</strong> Chicago.”Some <strong>of</strong> those working on the stringtheory at the TIFR had gone on toother parts <strong>of</strong> India and set up researchcentres. They had also gone beyond,to developing countries such as Iran,Pakistan and Korea.Pr<strong>of</strong>. Wadia said he was also interestedin understanding the manifestation<strong>of</strong> the laws <strong>of</strong> physics in the realworld. The laws <strong>of</strong> physics had actuallymanifested in a special way, viz.,the Large Hadron Collider or LHD,but that was focused on the basic laws.The larger question was how had theselaws given rise to the type <strong>of</strong> emergentphenomena that one saw allaround (such as human beings)?“What is this pathway from fundamentallaws to the beauty <strong>of</strong> the worldand the paragon <strong>of</strong> animals that we seeall around us? This is a very importantarea <strong>of</strong> research called complexsystems... an area that stood at theconfluence <strong>of</strong> many areas such as physics,chemistry, computer science andengineering.“We are seeing the possibility today<strong>of</strong> a pr<strong>of</strong>ound synthesis <strong>of</strong> knowledgeand perhaps, in the not so distantfuture, we would have uncovered thelaws <strong>of</strong> large systems. We have successfullyuncovered the laws <strong>of</strong> small,microscopic systems, but what are thelaws <strong>of</strong> large systems – weather, biology,brain functions, economics, sociology?These are all large complex systemswith complicated agents interactingwith themselves.”To address these questions, theTIFR had incubated a new centre inBangalore (for lack <strong>of</strong> space in<strong>Bombay</strong>) called the International Centrefor Theoretical Sciences (ICTS)which would play a very importantrole in taking forward inter-disciplinaryresearch.The ICTS was about five years oldand was temporarily located in thecampus <strong>of</strong> the Indian Institute <strong>of</strong> Sciencetill it had its own space. It wasbringing together researchers in variousareas over various periods <strong>of</strong> timeto foster interactions or intellectualimmersions within and between differentareas.Science would have no boundariesat the ICTS. However, the centrewould basically act as a catalyst withinthe general endeavour <strong>of</strong> science andengineering in India. At present it wassupported in large measure by the government<strong>of</strong> India. But Pr<strong>of</strong>. Wadia invitedgreater involvement and participationby the private sector in thestudy <strong>of</strong> the basic sciences.


The poetic introduction read out by Nadir GodrejNow science has come <strong>of</strong> ageYou could say it’s all the rageBut most <strong>of</strong> the exciting buzzIs due to all the things it does.Technology is ubiquitousSome think it is iniquitousFollowing us everywhereWith no time to stand and stareBut many still think it a treasureFor all it does for work and pleasureAnd medical science is a hitBecause we all benefit.The aged now are very strongAnd most <strong>of</strong> us live very longNow clearly science does a lotWe like the benefits we’ve got.But science does much more than thatThe method is where it’s atThe method is a simple lensWhich helps us all to make some senseOf the mystery in the universeThe first step is to just observeThe next is to hypothesiseThe scientist then always triesAn experiment to verifyWhich can confirm or falsify.If false the cycle starts once moreSo knowledge is at the foreOf why we need to emphasiseThat pursuit <strong>of</strong> science is very wise.“What have you learnt?” we shouldaskNot, “Can you help me with this task?”In time the benefits will comeBut treat that as a mere crumbThe knowledge is a wholesome breadWe should feed on that instead.There’ll be no crumbs without thebread.If usefulness were the basisWe’d have no clue what the case isFor all the fuss about the “Higgs”We wouldn’t give any figs!And yet we see each articleDeclaring it “God Particle”I always thought it rather oddScientists invoking God!Many years ago, it should be statedThe “Higgs” was first postulatedBut the hypothesis was hard to testAs a hypothesis it would rest.And in my considered estimationThis wait had caused much frustrationAnd Leon Lederman wrote a bookAs working title the name he tookWas Goddam particle but hey!The publisher said “No way!”God particle it then wasAnd this worked quite well becauseBy theory the Higgs gave massTo particles <strong>of</strong> every classThanks to the LHC at CERNIn the last few days we could learnThe Higgs exists but with some doubtThough small enough to loudly shout!Now we will be in a bindIf the properties we findDo not fit the theoriesBut on the bright side one then seesWe’ll sorely need new theoriesAnd that is why we celebrateTheoreticians that are greatOne row <strong>of</strong> men cannot stand tallBut if they form a solid wallOn their shoulders we can mountIf on their knowledge we can countA pyramid can be builtAn edifice that will not tiltAnd for ever it will growEach generation will then knowMore than all who’ve gone beforeAnd this is something known for sureBut sometimes what we learn is strangeWell beyond our normal range.And quantum science keeps us fooledWe wish to be firmly ruled.We can’t accept a random danceDetermined by the rules <strong>of</strong> chance.An Einstein thought this wasn’t nice“I can’t believe that God plays dice.”It’s true our minds were not designedFor physics and yet we can findSome minds that thrive on speculationAnd after years <strong>of</strong> educationDevote their lives to divineWhat is perhaps the true DivineThe rules <strong>of</strong> law from which all flowsBut every physicist still knowsWhat Einstein felt in the gutWhat we now need is a GUTOne theory that unifiesFour forces, that’s indeed the prize.If gravity can fall in placeThen Einstein will have made his casePerhaps the answer lies in stringsWhich sometimes curl up into ringsVibrating in many dimensionsExhibiting severe tensionsThey also form sheets named branesTo understand you need tamed brains.We could buy books at a heavy costAnd read for years and still be lostMr. Nadir Godrej goes poeticThroughout his life he was always onthe goAnd his frenetic pace would hardly everslowSometimes within the span <strong>of</strong> just adayHe’d see Madras, Calcutta and<strong>Bombay</strong>.The day for him was rather short <strong>of</strong>hoursBut since he had some superhumanpowersHe’d <strong>of</strong>ten work quite late into the nightOr rush somewhere on a red-eye flight.This kind <strong>of</strong> schedule would cause meto weepWhen did he ever find the time to sleep?His friends all knew that when he sinksHis head, he’s taking his usual fortyIf that’s the case then just how d’ya winks.Explain these things? Call Mr. Wadia. But still when asked to answer he couldThe crumbs <strong>of</strong> course will be thereSt. Mary’s School and Xavier’s College riseThe benefits that we all shareAnd IIT were founts <strong>of</strong> knowledge And to the audience’s sheer surpriseIt’s obvious without being saidBut then for his Ph.D.He would come up with something aproposHe went to New York’s City UniversityBut how he did it I will never know.The <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bombay</strong>is pleased to present theIn the windy city by the lake It’s hard to find a place he hasn’t beenSohrab Godrej Award for Science & Technology His thirst for knowledge he would slake All <strong>of</strong> the seven continents he’s seentoNow fellowships and awards And if you talk <strong>of</strong> the remotest isleSpenta Rustom WadiaOur Spenta has by the hordes. You find he’d been there for at least aFor his important contributions to several areas <strong>of</strong> theoretical The Raman lecture, the Weinberg prize while.And if the Nobel Committee’s wise No matter how far away he wentphysicsHis <strong>Rotary</strong> attendance was duly sent.For his landmark work in gauge theories <strong>of</strong> elementary particle The Nobel someday will be his toophysicsFor India hasn’t had her due. With your permission I will now saluteFor proposing a new phenomenological model incorporating And Spenta’s built many alliances His love <strong>of</strong> nature which was absolute.Through International Centre <strong>of</strong> TheoreticalSciencesnessAnd whether he’s saving the wilder-several important features <strong>of</strong> Quantum ChromodynamicsFor contributing to resolve the conflict between General RelativityOr planting trees in our urban messAnd much knowledge is bound to flowand Quantum Mechanics caused by the existence <strong>of</strong> black holes,As he goes on with the show. Sohrabji was prepared to work and fightthat added credence to String Theory as a correct theory <strong>of</strong> And I’d like to add my felicitation So children get to see that wondrousQuantum GravityOn the occasion <strong>of</strong> this celebration. sightFor establishing a world class String Theory group at TIFR thatA tiger prowling in his habitatSome words I’d now like to sayalso incubated research in this basic subject in India and otherA zoo’s no place for this majestic catOn Uncle Sohrab on this day.countries in the developing worldOne day I urge you all to enterHe had a penchant for foreign relationsFor envisaging the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences <strong>of</strong>The Sohrabji Godrej Green CentreAnd always built strong ties betweenTIFR that engages in “Science sans boundaries”.You’ll appreciate his life was not in vainall nationsFor there’s still hope our planet willNowroze VazifdarBut France’s culture and her glorious sustain.PresidentartMr. Godrej then proceeded to read19th March 2013Held a truly special place in his heart. the Citation presented to Pr<strong>of</strong>. Wadia.March 26 to April 1, 2013 THE GATEWAY, The Bulletin <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bombay</strong> Page 2


An urban designerwith three degreesMr. Mahender Vasandani, thePresident <strong>of</strong> M. Square UrbanDesign, who will speak on “ImprovingMumbai through urban design” atthe meeting <strong>of</strong> March 26, is passionateabout designing and creating exceptionaltowns and places.An alumnus <strong>of</strong> the prestigious IndianInstitute <strong>of</strong> Technology, Kharagpur,where he earned his Bachelor’sdegree in Architecture, he has dualMasters’ degrees in Architecture andCity Planning from the University <strong>of</strong>Pennsylvania. He also has certificatesin executive business management fromthe Kellogg School <strong>of</strong> Business and inreal estate development from MIT.With over 30 years’ experience inarchitecture, regional planning and urbandesign in the US, he has designedcorporate and <strong>of</strong>fice buildings, retailcommercial centres and residential communities.As chief <strong>of</strong> planning at Du-Page County, Illinois, he has led thepreparation <strong>of</strong> regional and transportationplanning studies.Mr. Vasandani’s expertise in urbandesign is in part based on his study <strong>of</strong>best practices in place-making in worldcities such as Chicago, New York, Philadelphia,Vancouver, London, Paris,Milan, Munich and Manchester. Hetravels widely to study cities for hisdesigns and sharing insights with clientsand co-pr<strong>of</strong>essionals.At present Mr. Vasandani is spendingsome time in India and is focusedon addressing urban growth issues inthe country. Collaborating with MichaelGraves & Associates, Architects,he is promoting the creation <strong>of</strong> newtowns in India using sustainable urbandesign principles. He is also workingto develop innovative urban designmechanisms to achieve systematictransformation <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bombay</strong>. He has beenan adviser to the Re-making <strong>of</strong> MumbaiFederation and the Council <strong>of</strong> TallBuildings and Urban Habitats, India.Wear your <strong>Rotary</strong> pin every day. And wear it with pride. President NowrozeVazifdar presents <strong>Rotary</strong> literature to new member Peter Born. He has beenloaned the Classification ‘Finance: International Banking’NEW MEMBER PETER BORNIS FORMALLY INDUCTEDPresident Nowroze Vazifdar formallyinducted Peter Born as amember <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>Bombay</strong> at the last meeting. He hasbeen loaned the Classification “Finance:International Banking”.Introducing him to members, IPPPaul George said that Peter’s engagementwith <strong>Rotary</strong> began in 1984 whenhe became a Rotaractor in Bavariawhere he was studying.“Coincidentally, that was the place(Bavaria) where he met his future wifeErica... Today, they have a little childMarie Terese who is attending theAmerican School in <strong>Bombay</strong>.”Referring to his pr<strong>of</strong>essional career,Paul said that Peter was based in Delhiin 1986 when he headed the Indo-GermanChamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce.In 1992, he joined the Commerzbank,the second-largest bank in Germanywith headquarters in Frankfurt.Since then he had had various postings,including in Seoul where he was incharge <strong>of</strong> business in Vietnam, Laosand Cambodia.Peter was admitted to the <strong>Rotary</strong><strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> Delhi in 1988. On returninghome a few years later, he was instrumentalin establishing the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong><strong>of</strong> Frankfurt-Staedel as one <strong>of</strong> its Chartermembers.At present he was living in <strong>Bombay</strong>along with his family.Following the introduction by Paul,President Nowroze conducted the formalinduction ceremony. He affixed a<strong>Rotary</strong> pin on Peter’s lapel and presentedhim with a copy each <strong>of</strong> the<strong>Club</strong> Roster, Four-Way Test placardsand other <strong>Rotary</strong> literature.He announced that for the rest <strong>of</strong>the year Peter had agreed to serve onThe <strong>Rotary</strong> Foundation and <strong>Rotary</strong>Scholarships Committees.Members will recall reading in lastweek’s Gateway (dated March 19,)that Peter, along with Dr. VandanaBulchandani, Ashok Gokal and ManojMurarka, has become a Paul HarrisFellow.Welcome to the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>Bombay</strong>, Peter.Rajas Doshi givesRs. 2 lakhs for‘Bhavishya-Yaan’President Nowroze Vazifdar announcedat the last meeting thatRajas Doshi has made a generous donation<strong>of</strong> Rs. 2 lakhs towards theBhavishya-Yaan project.He conveyed his sincere gratitudeto Rajas, who has always stepped forwardto support every good cause.More funds for thecancer endowmentAsum <strong>of</strong> Rs. 44,500 has been receivedfrom the Ernst & YoungFoundation – through the good <strong>of</strong>fices<strong>of</strong> Farokh Balsara – to boost the AlooDalal Cancer Aid Foundation.President Nowroze Vazifdar announcedthe receipt <strong>of</strong> the donation atthe last meeting and thanked Farokhfor the same.Birthday donationsPradeep Mafatlal has made a birthdaydonation <strong>of</strong> Rs. 10,001 andDolly Thakore <strong>of</strong> Rs. 3,000.President Nowroze Vazifdarthanked the members for their generosity.Holi at Naresh Jain’sHon. Secretary Sitaram Shah has remindedmembers <strong>of</strong> their Holi datewith Naresh Kumar Jain who has invitedRotarians along with their familiesand friends to celebrate the festival<strong>of</strong> colours on Wednesday, March27.He said at the last meeting that theHoli celebrations – without the use <strong>of</strong>chemical colours and coloured water –would be held at his bungalow, 44Ashok Bhavan, 14 th Road, Khar,from 10 am onwards on the given date.There would be a lot <strong>of</strong> song, musicand dance, as also the ever-popular“Delhi chaat” on <strong>of</strong>fer all through theday.(See Page 8 for further details)District plans low-costhousing in 2013-14ADistrict Trainers’ Training Seminarwas organised at Mystic Valleyin Igatpuri recently for the Chairpersons<strong>of</strong> District Avenues and ThrustAreas and Assistant Governors.Eminent faculty members from theDistrict enlightened the incoming Officerson various subjects.While PP Pradeep Saxena will serveas Assistant Governor in 2013-14, PPKalpana Munshi has been namedChairperson for the special DistrictThrust Area <strong>of</strong> Low-Cost Housingwhich will be executed in collaborationwith Habitat for Humanity India.This special District Committee isWelcome to the <strong>Club</strong>. President Nowroze Vazifdar At the Igatpuri Seminar. Incoming Governor likely to <strong>of</strong>fer low-cost housing at awelcomes Pr<strong>of</strong>. Spenta and Mrs. Leena Wadia to the last Lata Subraidu (centre) with PPs Kalpana Munshi and minimal cost <strong>of</strong> Rs. 1,00,000 each. Ameeting. Pr<strong>of</strong>. Wadia was presented the Sohrab Godrej Pradeep Saxena who will serve as members <strong>of</strong> the presentation on the subject was madeAward for Science and TechnologyDistrict team for the <strong>Rotary</strong> year 2013-14 by Habitat for Humanity India.March 26 to April 1, 2013 THE GATEWAY, The Bulletin <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bombay</strong> Page 3


EVENING MEETING HOSTHosts past and present. Pradeep and Divya Mafatlal hosted an outstanding Fellowship at their home as part <strong>of</strong> the evening meeting <strong>of</strong> March 5.With them are Devina Shah, Ravi and Amita Sheth, who hosted the first evening meeting, and President-Elect Nirav Shah. At right, Pradeep welcomesMudit Shah, Madhusudan Daga, Hiren and Bijal Kara and Malti JainThey’re all in the party mood. From left in the first picture are S.K. Mitra, Hon. Secretary Sitaram Shah, Vice-President Shailesh Haribhakti andPrafulla Mogre. And in the second photograph is PP Nandan Damani (at right), who hosted the second evening meeting <strong>of</strong> the year. With him are(from right) Ram Gandhi, Rajas Doshi and Jimmy PochkhanawallaIn contrasting colours. Hostess Divya Mafatlal with Devina Shah and (second from right) Radhika Daiya, the sister <strong>of</strong> the hostess. The picture at right ismore like a family photograph. From left are Vikram Daiya and Divya Mafatlal, who are brother and sister, and at right are their parents, Kishan andRukmani Daiya. In the centre is Divya’s son RajanyaA galaxy <strong>of</strong> stalwarts. From left in this picture are PP Dr. Kekoo Kavarana, S.K Mitra, President Nowroze Vazifdar, Mr. Rajesh Shah, Manojj Patodia,Subhash Sagar and Jimmy Pochkhanawalla. Finally, a group <strong>of</strong> six. From right, new member Peter Born, Abhinav Aggarwal, Malti Jain,PP Harry Singh Arora, a guest and Mr. Mahesh KhubchandaniMarch 26 to April 1, 2013 THE GATEWAY, The Bulletin <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bombay</strong> Page 4


ED BY THE MAFATLALSWomen <strong>of</strong> substance. Among those who can be identified in this photograph are Nandita Patodia, Devina Shah, Vandana Daga, Malti Jain, Shailaja Moguland Preeti Mehta. At right, the host and hostess, Pradeep and Divya, with their guests (from left) Dr. Feroze and Roshni Soonawalla (standingnext to Pradeep) and Pheroze and Anahita Havaldar (seated, centre)Old friends and new. Enjoying the company are, from left, Manojj Patodia, Manjula and Pritam Sanghai, Nandita Patodia and Preeti and Gautam Mehta.The second photograph captures the scene moments before the music blasts out and the dance floor is thrown open. Divya, Pradeep, Binaifer and HoshangNazir, and Jagdish Malkani are all ears as President Nowroze Vazifdar (not seen) begins and ends the meeting in the blink <strong>of</strong> an eyeThar she blows! Roda Billimoria surprised everyone with her swift moves and deft footwork. Dr. Rohini Chowgule, at right, prepares to keep pacewith her, while Dolly Thakore, in the centre, gets into the mood <strong>of</strong> things. The second photograph has the host and the hostess admiring the synchroniseddancing <strong>of</strong> Malti Jain and PP Harry Singh AroraAnd then it was time for dinner. The Mafatlals served such excellent fare that most <strong>of</strong> their guests didn’t know what to choose. But Shernaz Vakil, Zinia Lawyerand Ritu Desai (in the first picture) appear to have made up their minds. The dinner table at right is occupied by Parvesh Mehra, Dr. Suhas Shah andthe Palekars, PP Vithal and LataMarch 26 to April 1, 2013 THE GATEWAY, The Bulletin <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bombay</strong> Page 5


The stage is set for the ‘Group <strong>of</strong> 1929 <strong>Club</strong>s’ meeting hosted by the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> Madras. At right,Office-Bearers <strong>of</strong> the Host <strong>Club</strong> snapped with the contingent from <strong>Bombay</strong>. From left to right in the centre areHon. Secretary Sitaram Shah, Nayna and Ashok Chinai, Dr. Rohini Chowgule and Vinod JunejaOutside the H.R.H. Prince <strong>of</strong> Wales’ Hospital for Children. The delegates to the first-ever seminar <strong>of</strong> the‘Group <strong>of</strong> 1929 <strong>Club</strong>s’ visited the hospital where they interacted with some <strong>of</strong> the children admitted there.Later, they found the time to administer polio drops to children in the appropriate age group‘GROUP OF 1MEETS INEveryone knows that <strong>Rotary</strong> is 108 yearsold and that the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>Bombay</strong>, Chartered in 1929, is 84 years old.But few know that there are more than 180<strong>Club</strong>s that were Chartered in the same year,1929! All those <strong>Club</strong>s are now 84 years oldand spread all over the world.One <strong>of</strong> them is the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> Madras,a second is the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> CanonCity, USA; then there is the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong>Seremban in Malaysia and the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong><strong>of</strong> Colombo, Sri Lanka.The <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> Madras has takenthe lead to organise a unique Fellowship <strong>of</strong><strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong>s Chartered in 1929 styled“Group <strong>of</strong> 1929 <strong>Club</strong>s”. It has suggestedthat this group should meet annually, withone <strong>Club</strong> taking the responsibility <strong>of</strong> hostingthe event every year.A week-long celebration was held in Madrastowards the end <strong>of</strong> February, 2013,and attracted participation by the <strong>Rotary</strong><strong>Club</strong>s named above.Host <strong>Club</strong> President Rajendra Sabanayagamand his team, including Hon. SecretarySathiaram Ram, left no stone unturned tomake the programme memorable and to ensurethat everything went without a hitch.PP S. Guna Shekhar was the Project Coordinatorfor the entire event and the Host<strong>Club</strong> took care <strong>of</strong> home hospitality, localtransport, meals, programme managementand so on.Hon. Secretary Sitaram Shah, Dr. RohiniChowgule, Vinod Juneja and Ashok Chinai,accompanied by his spouse Nayna, representedthe <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bombay</strong>.There were no heavy-duty speeches; theitinerary was filled with Fellowship events,visits to a few project sites, the famedbeaches <strong>of</strong> Madras and a lot <strong>of</strong> banquets,breakfasts and dinners. Here are brief highlights<strong>of</strong> the activities organised over theweek:Day one featured a “Heritage walk andtour” after lunch and a dinner at SaravanaBhavan in Mylapore.The second day (February 22) saw a visitto Selaiyur, the boys’ town, and Sembakkam.The evening featured a banquet for the“Group <strong>of</strong> 1929 <strong>Club</strong>s”. Among the speakerswere District 3230 Governor V. RajaSeenivasan, Tan Ban Yeow <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Rotary</strong><strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> Seremban and Sitaram Shah.The meeting <strong>of</strong> February 22 was a postponedregular evening meeting and was celebratedas an “International Evening”, withthe District Governor present. (The regularweekly meeting <strong>of</strong> February 26 was alsocelebrated as an “International Welcome”meeting, with several Rotarians from Brazil,Turkey, Germany, China and other countriesattending it.)On day three, a visit to Dakshini Chitraand the Croc Bank was followed by lunch,a scholarship distribution programme anddinner at the Azuri Bay. A Kathakli performancewas the highlight <strong>of</strong> the evening.Breakfast was taken early on day four soPartaking <strong>of</strong> the pure vegetarian fare. Most <strong>of</strong> the Rotarians from abroad, especially those from the <strong>Rotary</strong><strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> Canon City, USA, had their taste buds tickled by the South Indian delicacies. While meal times werecommon to all, the women did find the time to mingle with one another. And so did the menthat the guests could enjoy the scenic beautyMarch 26 to April 1, 2013 THE GATEWAY, The Bulletin <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bombay</strong> Page 6


1929 CLUBS’MADRAS<strong>of</strong> Mahabalipuram. After lunch at theRadisson Temple Bay, those interested weretreated to a catamaran ride in the sea. Asdusk fell, Rotarian E.M.C. Palaniappan andhis spouse Parvathi hosted a dinner by theseaside.The fifth day featured a visit to the legendaryA.V.M. Studios, the governmentmanagedPoompuhar handicraft emporium,lunch at the Taj Connemara and dinner precededby a showing <strong>of</strong> the Kamal Hassanfilm, Viswaroopam.The dawn <strong>of</strong> the sixth day, February 26,saw the Rotarians and their guests performingYogic postures to keep fit. The <strong>Rotary</strong><strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> Madras hosted their guests for lunchin the afternoon and served dinner at theMadras <strong>Club</strong> as part <strong>of</strong> the “InternationalWelcome” meeting.Finally, on day seven, they bid a fondfarewell to their guests, hoping that theywould meet again, a year later, at anotherplace, at another time, but with the samepurpose – <strong>of</strong> bonding with other members<strong>of</strong> the “Group <strong>of</strong> 1929 <strong>Club</strong>s”.One <strong>of</strong> the highlights <strong>of</strong> the programmewas a visit to a fishermen’s villagewhere residences were built after thedevastating Tsunami as a joint projectbetween the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong>s <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bombay</strong>and Madras.Rotarians from Malaysia and USAwere surprised to note that the names<strong>of</strong> two <strong>Club</strong>s are still displayed on the146 houses that were built. Besides,there were plaques at the entry to thevillage with the names <strong>of</strong> the Presidents<strong>of</strong> the two <strong>Club</strong>s.Making a brief presentation at the banquet<strong>of</strong> February 22, Sitaram Shah first readout a message from President NowrozeVazifdar (which was published in The Gatewaydated February 19).He then pointed out that while the first<strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> in India was Chartered in Calcutta,the second one was the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Bombay</strong>; then came the third, the <strong>Rotary</strong><strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> Madras – thus completing thetriad <strong>of</strong> East, West and South, “or, to put itanother way, to complete the cycle <strong>of</strong>Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh”.Sitaram said in the course <strong>of</strong> his talk thatone <strong>of</strong> the unfortunate features <strong>of</strong> thepresent times was the sense <strong>of</strong> void thatpeople felt in their lives. Many felt thattheir existence had no deep meaning or aimand so sought happiness through sensualenjoyment.“Modern science is basically unwillingto limit itself by ethical considerations.Therefore, people face two challenges, viz.,a question <strong>of</strong> responsibility and lack <strong>of</strong>knowledge about the cause <strong>of</strong> human suffering.“Exact experimental science has nothingto do with morality, virtue, philanthropy,therefore it can make no claim on us unlessit blends itself with the metaphysics. I leaveyou with this thought to ponder over,”Heading out to the pristine beaches. Sitaram Shah and Ashok Chinai were not the only Rotarians to take adip in the sea. Many others did, too. They also enjoyed a catamaran ride in the choppy seas. But the hostsinsisted that all <strong>of</strong> them wore protective gear in the form <strong>of</strong> lifebeltsLeaving the beach and heading to the enchanting and charming ancient city <strong>of</strong> Mahabalipuram.An adept guide took the group all around the place, pointing out various historic facts about the town and thesurrounding area. The evening banquet was arranged at a beachside resortDinner before departure. Nayna Chinai bonded well with women Rotarians and <strong>Rotary</strong>anns from different<strong>Club</strong>s. But the most fun was had by Sitaram Shah. As the last picture shows, he had no compunctions abouttaking the floor (the lawn in this case) to do the shake. Or was it the salsa?Sitaram added.March 25 to April 1, 2013 THE GATEWAY, The Bulletin <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bombay</strong> Page 7


ROTARY CLUB OF BOMBAYFOUNDED 19 MARCH, 1929Charter No. 3128, Dated 08 May, 192997-B, Mittal Tower, Nariman Point,Mumbai 400 021, INDIATel.: +91-22-2202 4089Fax.: +91-22-2202 4509rotaryclubbombay1@gmail.comOFFICE-BEARERS 2012/13PRESIDENT NOWROZE VAZIFDARImmediatePast President Paul GeorgePresident-Elect Nirav ShahVice-President Shailesh HaribhaktiHonorary Secretary Sitaram ShahJoint Hon. Secretary Hiren KaraHon. Treasurer Ishraq ContractorCLUB SERVICE: New MembersDirector in charge Nirav ShahMembership PP Sandip AgarwallaClassifications PP Dr. Adi DasturInformation PP Dr. Kekoo KavaranaMembershipDevelopment &District Conference Ramesh NarayanCLUB SERVICE: Programmes/MeetingsDirector in charge Framroze MehtaAttendance Arvind AgarwalProgramme PP Haresh JagtianiFellowship PP Ashish VaidBulletin, Website& Public Relations PP Arun SanghiSergeant-at-Arms Roda BillimoriaCOMMUNITY SERVICE: Medical – IDirector in charge Dr. Percy ChibberChairman Emeritus,Talwada PP Dr. Rahim MuljianiHTEC, Talwada PP Dr. Rumi JehangirADMC, Talwada Dr. Sorab JaveriOral Health Dr. Rajeev NarvekarCOMMUNITY SERVICE: Medical – IIDirector in charge Dr. Vandana BulchandaniControl <strong>of</strong> TB Dr. Rohini ChowguleCancer Aid Zinia LawyerHeart Care and Health Dr. Aashish ContractorPolioPlus &Differently Abled Shyyamniwas SomaniCOMMUNITY SERVICE: Non-MedicalDirector in charge Sunny PariyaramRCC and Child Care Joseph KoshyOld Age Homes/Senior Citizens Naresh Kumar JainRural Development Dilnavaz VariavaEnvironment Jagdish MalkaniVOCATIONAL SERVICEDirector in charge Shernaz Vakil<strong>Rotary</strong> & Public Awards Ram GandhiVocational Training &Night Study Centres Bimal MehtaINTERNATIONAL SERVICEDirector in charge Ashok Minawala<strong>Rotary</strong> Foundation &Matching Grants PP Arvind JollyR.I. Programmes &Slumber Kit PP Rajnikant ReshamwalaNEW GENERATIONS: EducationDirector in charge Madhusudan DagaBhavishya Yaan Manish ReshamwalaScholarships & Loans Manojj Kumar PatodiaManagement Studies Poonam KumarNEW GENERATIONS: YouthDirector in charge Arjun JollyInteractMeera AlrejaRotaractRavindra FotedarRoad Safety Deepak KapadiaRegd. No. MH/MR/South-109/2012-14; R.N.I. No. 14015/60Posted at Mumbai Patrika Channel Sorting Office, Mumbai 400 001, on Monday, March 25, 2013Sangita Kapoor, a Visiting Rotarian from the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> Thane Skyline,exchanges banners with President Nowroze Vazifdar at the last meetingMore for the projectto empower womenM/s PBM Polytex, through thegood <strong>of</strong>fices <strong>of</strong> Priyasri Patodia,has donated a sum <strong>of</strong> Rs. 51,000 towardsempowerment <strong>of</strong> womenproject propagated by PresidentNowroze Vazifdar.He acknowledged the contributionat the last meeting and expressed hissincere thanks to Priyasri.REMEMBER YOUR HOLIDATE WITH NARESH JAINHoli ke shubh avsar parullas or umang se hoaapka din rangeen...Dear Rotarians,We look forward toyour presence atTHE ANNUAL JAINHOLI KI MASTI...A day full <strong>of</strong> live music...the flavours <strong>of</strong> Dilli ki chaat...and a shower <strong>of</strong> rangeen flowerskesar and gulab!Join us with your family onWednesday 27 March 201310.00 am to 1.00 pm at44 Ashok Bhavan, 14th Road KharMumbai – 400052Rtn. Naresh JainR.S.V.P.Ulka – 22840473 / 22826356At the lastmeeting(Held on March 19, 2013)ATTENDANCEMembers 123Visiting Rotarians 2<strong>Rotary</strong>anns 5Guests 1Total 131Svc. box collection Rs. 3,450Happy BirthdayShariq ContractorMarch 28Devendra KothariMarch 30Subash GogiaMarch 31SpousesLeela DeshpandeMarch 28Nandan MalusteMarch 30Berryl HiraniMarch 26Mr. Manjit Singh NandaMarch 27Dr. Swati PiramalMarch 28Meena SomaniMarch 28Gauri DaiyaMarch 29Radhika KajiMarch 31Amita MalkaniApril 1ServiceAboveSelfEditorial Consultant: Anmol Purohit,Sajjan Sons, 203/204 Triveni, MithChowki, Marve Road, Malad (West),Mumbai 400 064. Cell: 09322227026;Landline: 022-28880712E-Mail: anmolsp@gmail.comRegd. No. MH/MR/South-109/2012-14, R.N.I. No. 14015/60Posted on Monday, Mar. 25, 2013Printed, Published by Rtn. PP Arjun Bulchandani on behalf <strong>of</strong> <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bombay</strong> and printed at Nikeda Art Printers Pvt. Ltd., Unit No.H & I,Kanjur Industrial Estate,Quarry Road, Off L.B.S. Marg, Bhandup (West), Mumbai 400 078 and Published at 97/B, Mittal Tower, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021. Editor Arjun BulchandaniMarch 26 to April 1, 2013 THE GATEWAY, The Bulletin <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Rotary</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bombay</strong> Page 8

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